Eugene L. Vandusen

Eugene L. VanDusen, 93, of Goshen, died Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2009, at Greencroft Healthcare.  He had been in declining health the past year and a half. He was born in New Carlisle, Indiana, on March 21, 1916, to Mark W. and Myrtle P. (Kendall) VanDusen.  He married Mary L. Stern on June 19, 1971 in South Bend at the Crest Manor Church of the Brethren.  She survives. A Goshen resident since 1991, Mr. VanDusen worked for South Bend Engraving & Electro-typing from 1945 to 1962.  From 1963 to 1971 he owned and managed a hobby shop in Phoenix, Arizona.  After moving back to South Bend in 1971, Mr. VanDusen worked in maintenance at the Ramada Inn in South Bend until 1978. A 1934 graduate of Riley High School in South Bend, Mr. VanDusen was a train enthusiast.  He belonged to the National Railway Historical Society and helped start the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois.  He divided his train collection between the Illinois Railway Museum and NYC Railroad Museum in Elkhart. He was a member of the Goshen City Church of the Brethren, AARP and played in the Harmonica Band at Greencroft and for the Silvertones. A veteran, he served in World War II with the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Mary; a sister-in-law, Ella Mae Weaver of North Manchester; and two brothers-in-law, Melvin Stern of Hope, Michigan and Eldon Stern of Long Beach, California. Friends may call 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, March 23, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Family and friends will leave at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday for a graveside service in LaPorte County at Wills Township Baptist Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Goshen City Church of the Brethren on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, beginning at 3:00 p.m.  Pastors Bev Weaver and Roy Stern of Goshen City Church of the Brethren, along with niece, Lucinda Barnum-Steggerda will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to Goshen City Church of the Brethren.